I've cracked a piece of server software. As I'm aware, it's legal to crack a piece of software and use it myself. I'm not planning to distribute the software, but is it legal to run the server software and allow public access to it? I tried looking at the various laws on cracking, but I wasn't able to find out if it was legal or illegal.

Thanks in advance

It is legal (in some countries) to 'reverse engineer' a program that you own.

It is not legal (in any country AFAIK) to 'crack' a program which you do not own, or have not paid to be 'unlocked'.

So, if you have a legal copy, why do you need to run a cracked copy on your server?

The software had a few restrictions that I removed. The thing that interests me, that if people are accessing the server, does it still classify as personal use?

No, it's not legal, if you want a simple answer without an explanation.

And if you're so concerned about 'legality', why do you crack programs you didn't write anyway?

The DMCA still has to be played out in the courts, but it does have a provision allowing for reversing software that you own for your own safety and protection... however, you can not share your results with others. It is probably legal, but it will be up to the mood of the judge on that particular day.

I always thought that even if you pay for a software, it is NOT yours. It's just that you pay for the RIGHT to use it but not OWN it.

Regards
EB

Good point EB....you "purchase" a "license" to use the software (on a single computer unless specified otherwise)

The EULA for most software specifically prohibits distribution of full versions, reverse engineering, disassembling, etc.

If you can't even look at a disassembly legally, how can you crack (or in this case, it sounds more like a valid patch) without it being illegal.

Of course alot of this depends not on legality, but your country of origin's amout of cooperation with other authorities ;-)

Certainly in the UK if you buy software you OWN it, period; this is irrespective of the EULA. Reverse engineering it is also legal, as it comes under fair use for something you own. This may well change when Europe gets its own version of the DCMA.. although I believe this won't happen for a good while yet

Everything is legal.......until a law is made.....


for u yankees :-
http://www.lgu.com/publications/softcopy/8.shtml

for u Euroboys:-
http://www.lgu.com/publications/international/3.shtml

....and the rest of us can crack away merrily :-)

Salam }>

Poor Elcomsoft have lost one of their employees to the FBI

http://www.cnn.com/2001/LAW/07/20/ashcroft.cybercrime.ap/index.html

and check out the latest at Elcomsoft re the aebpr v. adobe saga............